Hoops alive at Municipal

Published: March 12, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Municipal Auditorium is the most storied facility in NCAA history, thanks in large part to the association's headquarters being located in Kansas City from 1952-1999.

Municipal has hosted more NCAA Tournament games (83), more regional championship games (13) and more national championship games (nine) than any other arena.

All this transpired from 1940-64.

The men's tournament has outgrown the 73-year-old structure, which can seat 10,700.

But there is no reason Municipal Auditorium can't be used for the women.

The place is the perfect fit for the Big 12 women's tournament. Why not the NCAAs?

"I love Muni,” said Texas women's athletic director Chris Plonski.

When it comes to hosting the NCAA men's tournament, Municipal Arena is still the king. Here's a look at how it ranks for NCAA Tournament games, regional finals and national championship games:

•Most NCAA men's games

83-Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo.

81-Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City

74-University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, Ohio

71-Madison Square Garden, New York City

60-RCA Dome, Indianapolis

•Most NCAA regional final games

13-Municipal Auditorium

11-Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J.

9-Madison Square Garden

8-Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kan.; Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, Ore.; Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh, N.C.

7-Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.

•Most national championship games

9-Municipal Auditorium

7-Madison Square Garden

6-Freedom Hall, Louisville, Ky.

4-Superdome, New Orleans; RCA Dome, Indianapolis.

3-Kingdome, Seattle.

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